1. Check whether the animal meets the criteria for qualification as a ‘pet’

• The animal is to be considered as a ‘pet animal’, from the following list: dogs (including service dogs), cats, ferrets, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates (except bees and crustaceans), domestic rodents and rabbits, ornamental fish, all species of birds except chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants, partridges, and ratites (Ratitae).
• The transaction must be non-commercial (no sale, no transfer of ownership);
• The number of animals allowed must be less than or equal to 5 specimens per person (except for domestic carnivores in the case of participation in a competition, exhibition or sporting event. In this case, the owner or authorized person shall submit written proof that these animals are registered to participate in any of the above events. The animals must then be older than 6 months).

2. Take the animal to the veterinarian and check its administrative situation

Whether you are traveling within or outside the European Union, your pet must meet several conditions. The formalities may vary depending on the category of animal.

Formalities for traveling with a dog, cat or ferret

• be identified with a microchip implanted under the skin or a tattoo made before July 3, 2011
• have their valid rabies vaccination which must always be carried out after identification to be recognized as valid
• have undergone a serum rabies antibody titration to ensure the effectiveness of rabies vaccination
• be accompanied by the original health certificate issued or endorsed by an official veterinarian of the third country of origin (Part 1 of Annex III to Regulation (EU) 577/2013) or, in the case of reintroduction of the animal into the territory of the EU, the EU passport of the animal issued by the Member States. Provided that this document has been completed before departure from the EU (or passport similar to the EU passport for domestic carnivores originating in Andorra, Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar, Greenland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino and Vatican City State);

Detailed formalities for traveling with a dog, cat or ferret

Formalities for traveling with a bird

Pet birds must be marked with a permanent, indelible, legible individual marking with an alphanumeric code (ring, transponder or tattoo) before being isolated, tested or vaccinated against avian influenza virus of subtypes H5 and H7.

The import of up to 5 pet birds is possible, provided that the animals are accompanied:

• by their owner or an authorized person in a single non-commercial movement
• the health certificate (model provided for in the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1938 - Part 1)
• the declaration of the owner of the birds or his representative (model provided for in the Annex to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1938 (Part 2))

Additional requirements for birds: 

• isolation 30 days before the date of dispatch or primary vaccination and at least one booster against avian influenza H5 and H7 or PCR test for avian influenza H5 and H7 with negative result. 
• be transferred, by their owner or authorized person, directly from the point of entry of travelers to a private household or other residence within the EU, where birds are to be kept under official surveillance for 30 days after entry into the EU. During this period, birds must not be introduced into a bird gathering place (performance venues, fairs, exhibitions).

Detailed formalities for traveling with a pet bird 

Formalities for traveling with a pet other than a domestic carnivore or bird

If you are traveling with ornamental tropical fish, rodents, lagomorphs, reptiles, pet amphibians, you must present to the customs officers at the first port of entry an accompanying document (model in bilingual version) in accordance with the model of Annex 27 of the Order of 19 July 2002, signed by a veterinary practitioner.

Details of the formalities for traveling with a pet other than a domestic carnivore or bird

3. Declare and present the animal in case of arrival in the EU from a third country 

When you arrive in the European Union from a third country (outside the European Union), you must declare and present your pets to customs officers, so that they can carry out a documentary and identity check.

Who must declare the animal to customs?

The owner of the pet or any authorized person who assumes responsibility for the pet. These people are required to travel with the animal [within + or - 5 days after the movement of the authorized owner only for dogs, cats and ferrets on presentation of a proof (boarding pass, plane ticket)].

Never return from travel with an animal that does not meet national and European requirements. The introduction into France of dogs, cats and ferrets under 16 weeks of age is not permitted.

4. Learn about diseases such as rabies and take precautions

Rabies kills one person every ten minutes in the world. While France is free of rabies, cases are regularly detected in domestic carnivores imported from countries where the disease is prevalent. However, means exist to prevent the introduction of rabies and to protect oneself.

During a stay abroad in a country at risk, it is recommended not to touch an unknown animal and it is strictly forbidden to bring it with you. The animal may become infected with rabies and transmit the disease to people or other animals.

« Beware of rage » campaign

The « Beware of Rabies » campaign, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, reminds you of the risks associated with this disease and the steps to take before leaving abroad

• https://agriculture.gouv.fr/gare-la-rage-campagne-annuelle-de-sensibilisation-et-dinformation
• https://agriculture.gouv.fr/gare-la-rage